Predicting the WINNER of Rugby World Cup 2023 | The Rugby Pod

It's almost here! RWC France 2023 kicks off on Friday night so our lads are going through their Pool Predictions as well as debate who wins the whole thing!
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify 🎧bit.ly/3RaGRwu
0:00 POOL A
06:00 POOL C
7:50 POOL D
12:25 POOL B
20:00 Who Wins it?!

[@mrniceguyfrodo]

As an Irish man listening to Goode hyping up Ireland I love to hear it.

[@wot4922]

Yeah. He's usually talking kak about teams and coaches 💚💛🇿🇦

[@jaconel1673]

Ireland probably deserves it, and then France... but I hope the Boks spoil it. But if I was forced to make a bet... never bet against the All Blacks. This is going to be an awesome World Cup.

[@neilbe7118]

I'm enjoying everyone writing us off it's what we need

[@PatrickjamesOreilly]

World cup can't come quick enough ...rugby will be the winner it's going to be unreal 👌

[@zubairallawi1206]

True..although Ireland ain't gonna win

[@kevinewert8546]

Something everyone seems to forget is that South Africa have taken two A teams to the world cup, and they put five past the ABs.

[@lindilemgqobele4337]

👌👌👌👌

[@Nkanyiso131]

The Springbok management team have been building and working towards this World Cup. 2019 wasn’t part of the plan. They were always targeting 2023 as the one they wanted to win. Having said that, our side of the draw means in order for us to win it, we will have to do it the hard way. I think if we get through the QFs we will go onto win it. Ironically the players and staff are labeling Scotland as their biggest game and rightly so. The way I see it - we need to win 5 big games. Scotland, Ireland and the three knock out games. The thing that counts in our favor is that our style of play is tailored made for knockout games. Add the fact that we are a well settled team and we know how to handle big moments in world cups. I also think our scheduling is more favorable than Ireland and that’s the only reason why I don’t see them going all the way. The opening hame between France and New Zealand will be very telling and will tell us a lot about their chances of winning the tournament.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

We're targeting the Scotland game because we need to win it to stay in the competition. RassNaber also saw the complacency when we went up against Japan...

[@joeboonmusic4004]

In my mind SA look potentially more powerful than they did in 2019. The pack is still strong as hell; players like PSDT and Snyman are back in the mix and there are some newer faces that only add to their power like Esterhuizen and Arendse. I think they'd still be favourites in my book... As much as I'd love Ireland to win it. (I'm English but we're basically sitting this WC out...)

[@booey28]

No they weren’t 😂

[@Nkanyiso131]

Man what a prediction 😂

[@coatknight]

One of my favorite rugby podcasts. Some banter, honest bias but also objective love in general for the game.

[@tomdeane878]

Good man Goodie! Its unbelievable that there are so few pundits putting Ireland even out of the group. Yes we havent performed in World cups before but this team is fathoms beyond the quality and depth of teams gone by....Lets go Ireland!!

[@cceffect]

If history dictates success, we would never get a new winner. Ireland have depth and inform. They've got the makings of something special

[@falloncj]

We can afford to lose to SA, knowing Scotland will be weakened with injuries for that last game of the Pool, as Ireland would be, but we've more strength in depth than Scotland. Finishing first or second in our group isn't much benefit, so we don't need to push ourselves too hard in the SA game and can focus more on the last game against Scotland and maybe set up a quarter with NZ, who we know we can beat (though it'd be the biggest win in our history). Then a semi against an England or Oz or Argentina that are all beatable this time. I can see a way we make the final and I've never felt that before.

[@admjooge]

@@falloncj At the same time, if scotland beat SA, then we pretty much guarantee going through if we focus SA

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Let them underestimate Ireland, it'll only make their wins more satisfying... Plus, I'm an England fan and probably won't have much to cheer for this WC, so I'm banking on Ireland to give me a team to cheer for!

[@HurgDurgler]

Best team in the world, it's been a pleasure watching them play in recent times. That being said they need to adapt like everyone else and play world cup type rugby, whatever that actually is lol.

[@inamortz2372]

Can you imagine being behind Jim in the queue as he's trying to decide what pint to order?

[@neelsferreira]

Yes, a lot of guessing been done🤣

[@Karma-qt4ji]

At least in the queue you can punch him 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 PS for the sake of wokedom, I official label this comment a JOKE!!!

[@daviddempster8717]

@@Karma-qt4ji ..and the last thing he wants to say is that SA are looking pretty good.

[@robblake8518]

I think he's on the drink alright

[@danielcookeb90]

Good man Goody! The way AF talks about being excited to play the biggest teams - with honest belief that testing yourself against the best, being the only way to measure yourself against the best, is exactly the psych of the Irish! AF doesn't give a crap for who they play, in fact I believe he would prefer to play the bigger teams and he believes we can beat anyone, anywhere. Ireland 🇮🇪 to win, no matter who they play! 🤞

[@bernieone1]

This 👏

[@EVSmith-by9no]

I’d love for Ireland to win the WC either them or France. Obviously being English I would prefer it if England won but since there’s no chance of that happening I’m hoping Ireland or France go all the way.

[@jonnywalker5361]

ANDY GOODE! 🇮🇪 you’re welcome for a pint anytime in Dublin. We’ll look after you! Only pundit not writing us off. 🇮🇪 ☘️

[@devonbritton337]

Anyone writing Ireland off clearly don't know what they're talking about. As a South African fan, I wouldn't be surprised at all if they beat us and top the group... This is Ireland's best chance to win a WC...

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Really crossing my fingers for Ireland to take the WC this time. You folks have the depth and the flair and the gameplan. As an English fan I need someone to cheer for when we inevitably get knocked out early on...

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

@@joeboonmusic4004Irish guy here not writing England off. England could win their QF v AUS, WAL or Fiji. You gave us a challenge in our grand slam decider earlier this year. England would be underdogs facing one of the top five in the semis but never say never.

[@joeboonmusic4004]

@@patrickmccutcheon9361 I appreciate the kind words! I think a semi-final would be a big win. I wish we'd used this time to blood some more young players but I guess we'll see what happens... Maybe some of the veterans will put in a shift, but I'm not expecting much!

[@arnodk2852]

South Africa were also the first team to win the Rugby Championship/Tri Nations and World Cup in the same year.

[@HerbalTee29]

😂

[@matthewbull6102]

As a Springbok fan, i can assure you, Scotland are not being underestimated - certainly not by the fans. They have played brilliantly rugby and they could easily shock us. i hope not, but i have been really impressed with them.

[@JaemanEdwards]

The Springboks are arrogant enough to not take the Scots serious and try to rest front line players for attrition reasons. This could prove their downfall. The Scottish are deadly.

[@Jaco_Schutte]

​@@JaemanEdwardsnope, wrong. The Bok camp have gone on record about how seriously they take this game. Losing first up puts enormous pressure on them. They'll field a first choice team for sure. But hey, your anti SA bias is pretty clear so believe whatever you want.

[@dhirshg]

@@JaemanEdwards Very deadly indeed.

[@ettienedelange8887]

I think Kurtlee Arendse could score the most tries if he start most games ahead of Mapimpi.

[@Karma-qt4ji]

He won't start ahead of Mapimpi, Moodie will. RassNaber will simply not choose two short wingers together and Kolbe is a must.

[@coatknight]

More than Kolbe? Problem is the pool the Springboks are in.

[@kevinewert8546]

I think it's unlikely that any of the Boks will end up top try scorer simply because their tournament strategy hinges on rotation. It could be that Arendse, Kolbe and Moodie don't get enough game time.

[@battievandermerwe9121]

People who ignore Mapimpi does it at his own peril. Remember him scoring the second most tries in 2019. He had the vision (chip kick) to create his own try in the final, which turned the game on it's head. He can score power tries like when he ran over Koroibete. He very rarely misses a tackle which can't be said of either Arendse or Moodie. Very good under the high ball. Depending who plays against the weaker pool opposition, where multiple tries could be scored, might come close to the record. A minimum of 8 tries needs to be scored to equal the record, which means more than a try per game in the pool games, knock out games and the final, whether it is for gold or bronze - will not be done easily.

[@Crimsonfate]

If it’s a saffa it’ll be marx

[@simonbrooke8804]

Can’t see beyond SA but they are in one hell of a pool which may take a lot out of them. Heart wants France as England will get nowhere. AB’s rarely underperform in a RWC but SA are brutally strong.

[@Jaco_Schutte]

This is I think the main factor the SA coaching teams have been building so much squad depth. There really aren't any passengers in this team. Depth will be vital in the latter stages given how brutal the pool stage is likely to be.

[@06alepea1]

I think SA will win. They've still got the best pack, and their attack is much better than it was even a year ago.

[@okedokeerolchoke9929]

And they are masters of ‘test’ rugby…. Ie doing what needs to be done to win. Will be hard to beat

[@dandan4092]

It’s not been 12 years so unfortunately not happening

[@yankorusev]

I’m an Ireland supporter but I believe that the Boks could win again. They look very strong

[@Readbetweenthelines1]

​@@dandan4092😂that is true, but if Ireland can break their history, so can SA=)

[@russellturner1909]

Not in Auckland they didnt

[@BullmanRugby]

Honestly counting down the minutes to Friday!! 👌

[@yandisamhlungu3182]

"He's just a horny teenager innit, Eddie"🤣🤣😭 awuva wena Andy

[@nicholasslee8903]

Excellent & fun 30 minutes of banter. Andy Goode speaks sense. Great...❤

[@BrettStealth]

I absolutely love the IRE game at the moment, exhilarating! They deserve to go far & I hope they do well. But the Boks have been building steadily thro the noise of the past 3 years & are suddenly starting to click. They arrive at a RWC arguably most settled, focused, confident, intentional, determined than ever before. Scary!

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

I like Goodie’s faith in Ireland. I see France and SA as favourites.

[@joatmofa0405]

All you need to complete your line-up are a retired Welsh & Irish professional rugby player. Jim & Andy are very pleasant to listen to.

[@johnmccarthy9964]

Goodie is the first pundit I've heard predict us winning. The only pundit who'll be smug after the dust is settled 🇮🇪

[@Chris_Rugby]

I think Ireland get to the final agains SA...but SA's squad depth...and they've never lost a World Cup final...I don't know.

[@johnmccarthy9964]

@@Chris_Rugby I don't think our squad depth is too bad if you look outside of 10 and 15 really. SA are also coming in without and out and out 10/kicker. No matter what happens it'll be a great world cup

[@Chris_Rugby]

@@johnmccarthy9964 For sure!!

[@Karma-qt4ji]

@@johnmccarthy9964 our 'not out-and-out kicker' has a better kicking domestic percentage than Pollard and has topped the points table in the URC two years running. What most people don't remember is that in the first 3 games of the 2019 RWC, Pollard had a success rate of 65% (13/20) before coming good. Then have a look at the rest of Manie's URC stats; top 5 clean breaks, top metres gained (runs), most conversions scored, most penalties scored 2nd most kicks out of hand and with 2nd most metres gained. Kicked 5 from 5 against New Zealand and punched every penalty right into the corner even if it was from his own half. Personally, I think he is a bloody good player and our backline has been galvanised by his inclusion.

[@redhowell7856]

Good call on players coming through - Canan Moodie and Mark Nawangat - spot on!

[@budyza180]

Best rugby channel on The Toob. Excellent work, gentlemen!

[@MrRugbylane]

The skewed groups is making this a MUCH more interesting Group Phase. Sooo many clutch games.

[@Chris_Rugby]

I predict Malcom Marx as being the top try scorer. SA using him in the back of the mauls and a lot more on the end of the line now...can't see him not scoring atleast one try each game.

[@ashleysoudah]

Marx is made from bricks

[@jp2650]

@@ashleysoudahthe bricks that shat on NZ.

[@JaemanEdwards]

That sums South African rugby up. Boring as fk.

[@Jaco_Schutte]

​@@JaemanEdwardssour grapes mate. No one cares as long as they keep winning. And for a boring team they sure score a lot of tries.

[@BearSharkHybrid]

Unlikely

[@PrepareYourBusinessForSale]

Moodie to score the most tries all the way down the final between SA and France and scoring the tournament winning try in extra time.

[@HerbalTee29]

Bokke fans are something else lol

[@samstods]

watching big jim always puts a smile on my facee

[@MoonHoax-md6mp]

Pool A: NZ & France (France have too many injuries to crucial players) Scotland unfortunately will be knocked out at the Group Stage by the two best teams in the world. Pool B: Boks & Ireland (Bok forwards will be too strong for the Irish.) Pool C Argentina & England Pool D Australia & Wales (Wales forwards will be too strong for Fiji and discipline will let Fiji down). QF's Ireland > NZ by 5 Boks > France by 7 Australia > Argentina by 3 England > Wales by 3 Semis Ireland > Australia by 10 Boks > England by 20 Final Boks > Ireland by 12

[@Gilescowdemdem]

Scotlands depth is the issue. There's HUGE quality in the starting line up but quickly drops off with a couple of key injuries or red cards.

[@falloncj]

Scotland have to play South Africa and Tonga before facing ireland and its hard to see them not picking up some injuries before that game and having to test their depth. Ireland have to face those two teams first also, but have more depth to be fielding a strong team in the final pool game. Assuming the SA pack beats Scotland up front and win, Ireland can afford to lose to SA and focus on beating Scotland to qualify in second... if Scotland v Ireland was game 1 of the pool, I'd be more concerned for Ireland, but I think they've the better fixture list in a bad group

[@donjorvead2431]

Ireland are on the same boat aswell.

[@falloncj]

@donjorvead2431 I guess it's the strength in depth issue for Ireland/Scotland after 3 quick games. I feel like Ireland have more to fall back on beyond the 15 starters today.

[@Ian-if2lf]

@@falloncj and if Scotland somehow beat SA in an opener who tend to sleep in the beginning of a comp, then how hard do Ire and SA play against each other?

[@falloncj]

@Ian-if2lf honestly, it's a really tough call at that point. Throw too much at SA and lose and you could be down some key players for Scotland... We've beaten France and NZ in the last 12 months so know we can potentially lift ourselves to win against either so topping the group isn't a big deal, plus this group should have the mental fortitude to deal with losing to SA and then bounce back. I suppose I just can't see Scotlands pack matching up against SA. Like, I'm not sure there's a single Scottish forward I'd pick ahead of their opposite number for SA, which sounds harsh against the 5th best team in the world but SA just look devastating there, while their backs have gelled into something terrifying too.

[@kevinewert8546]

I think the ABs are going to get blitzed by the French. They've been made to look good this past year by a South African team that has been focused building depth and an Australian side that is in the doldrums. Outside of the rugby championship, they've played Japan, England, Wales and Scotland. They drew with the English, were played close by the Japanese, and only managed a convincing victory over Wales. I think the Twickenham performance is closer to the truth than a lot of people are willing to believe.

[@MeanAzz_13]

Only vs 14 yes!

[@JaemanEdwards]

What a load of bollocks.

[@kevinewert8546]

@mEan_aZz three of the five tries were scored while the Boks and the ABs had the same number on the field. 🙃 But yeah, if it helps you sleep at night.

[@MeanAzz_13]

@@kevinewert8546 well it does actually, because prior to that win, the Boks *has never* in the history of the game, put a score on the board like that vs the A.B'z, until they *played 14* for over *half the game.* infact *no international team has!*

[@kevinewert8546]

@mEan_aZz go look at the stats. Over 10yrs, ABs accrued 50% more red and yellows than other tier 1 nations. The ABs play with 14 players all the time and have not yet been beaten by that margin. 🙃

[@colmancooney9213]

Guys, it's not just Scotland got it difficult. SA and Ireland have it hard also. I'm Irish, and as far as I'm concerned, this is an impossible task for Ireland. Sa in 3rd game, Scots in 4th game, then if we are lucky enough to get out of the group it Nz or French. If Ireland do reach a semi final, it would most certainly be the biggest achievement in Irish rugby history. But I think its tok difficult for us. We are going to have injurys, but we will struggle missing a few big time.

[@patrickfarrell5092]

I agree, it will take a miracle to reach a semi and of course we're going to be branded as chokers afterwards. Having said that I wouldn't wish for a better management and backroom team but that draw timing has completely screwed up the tournament, and not only for Ireland but Scotland also.

[@justinarmstrong193]

It is quite sad that this is the reality for the best Irish side in decades! I disagree completely with the way the group is and am genuinely concerned for both SA and Irish. I am a Bok fan and love the Irish being an Armstrong(with Irish and Scottish heritage). I also feel a little sorry for the Scots who have a decent side and have a good chance of not making it out of the group. Anyone from Group B making the Semis deserves to be there!

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

Agree with all comments here, like all tournaments the winners need luck on their side and by that i mean little injuries as possible, few yellow cards and no reds, most irish people doubt we can win this tournament but absolutely nobody will like playing us, we need to produce our 2nd and third performances in dunedin and Wellington to have any chance of winning this, can we do it?? Yes but sexton will need to be fit and hopefully injury free.

[@patrickfarrell5092]

@@justinarmstrong193 the draw was a right load of bollock! The top 4 should be in separate pools and Scotland ranked 2nd instead of 3rd. A part of me was always a tad suspicious as to why it was made so early, perhaps because of a certain team having an unsustainable high rankings at the time🤔. but we have to live with it now, pool B could be extremely attritional. I would fancy your South Africa to be the least damaged. Sure we'll enjoy it all the same. Best of luck 👏

[@redhowell7856]

Fair comment Bru - I agree. I'm a Saffa but I seriously wish you guys well. Tough task for sure.

[@Lucky-wi5oo]

I still back NZL to do well in this WC, SA has a strong squad but choosing the right players & combinations will be key. France is playing at home and they do look good. Unfortunately I don't back the Irish, I think the pressure will get to them.

[@ciaranoconnor4027]

"I think the pressure will get to them", like it did in the NZ series when they lost their first two games vs NZ and Maori and then won the last three convincingly. Sure everyone wins series in NZ, it's easy. Just list all the teams that have done that in the professional era...

[@Lucky-wi5oo]

@@ciaranoconnor4027 You can't compare a test series to a WC, the intensity is just not the same.

[@ciaranoconnor4027]

@@Lucky-wi5oo Nonsense. Pressure is pressure. Rugby is rugby. You're framing the argument to make a comfort blanket for yourself. Good luck with that. Hope is not a strategy. The only constant in life is change.

[@Johnjrambo75]

The pressure didn't get to the Irish when the won the Grandslam in the 6 nations back in Spring.

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

The key issue for Ireland is dependence on players whose backups are not at the same level. Two physical games v Tonga and SA could mean a depleted team will face a fresh Scotland to decide which of the two goes out.

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

Top 5 teams in the world are all in 2 groups... I am South African so I'll always back the boks, but for 1 team from pool B to win the World Cup, they'll have to beat 3 of the top 4 teams in the world and go on to win a pretty comfortable semifinal and then have a chance of drawing one of those top 4 teams again to win the cup! If someone in Pool B wins the World Cup, it'll be the best World Cup win for the team I'd say!

[@robertstrachan3482]

It probably will be the best win ever this year then. One of the top 5 (4?) teams will win it, so it’s a 100% probability that story will happen. Just can’t say with certainty WHO it will be. My money is on SA as well though.

[@nigelp4328]

Great chat lads, good fun. Can't wait for kick off. France to win.

[@ashleysoudah]

Let's go Goodie! Come on Ireland!! 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@Bigfaceakachl]

There’s a reason Centre Spot is green 🇮🇪 kzbin.info/www/bejne/amWVfouDpLShmdksi=Ldo0oTQRqYhbSpDx

[@booey28]

You’ll be joining England on that return flight

[@ashleysoudah]

@booey28 nah...we'll be coming back after the final with England watching us on tv.

[@Kwasi1790]

Ireland will continue coming out at the quarter finals

[@ashleysoudah]

@kwasi7906 not this time...the official no. 1 team in the world rankings is coming for that webb ellis trophy 🏆 🇮🇪

[@SKILLAGEREAL]

"how do we beat South Africa??" "you can't"

[@MikeSmuts]

I'd be quite happy if most pundits and commentators follow the trend in this podcast to write South Africa out of the plot. I'd much rather we go in as underdogs than favourites. Winning the Scotland game (if we do...) wil probably not be enough to change that narrative. If we beat Ireland in the pool all of that changes, but by that time we'll be close to the end of the round-robin stage...

[@EVSmith-by9no]

I’d love for a NH team to win it (preferably England but more realistically Ireland or France) but I do think SA will probably win. From what I’ve seen of the Boks in the last year or so I think they’ll be very hard to beat. Looking back at their game v France I was really surprised by how much more dynamic they looked in terms of their shape and running lines and ruck speed etc. I think once it all clicks by the QF or SF they’ll be unstoppable.

[@davidpeters3857]

Survival of the fittest between Ireland,Boks and the French….I’ve backed Ireland at 5-1…..but hope the AB’s lift the trophy

[@AdAstraStakePool]

As a neutral on the AB-France game, I lean towards ABs because: 1) I have rarely seen the ABs lose two games in a row. 2) After a loss, NZL usually play really well in the next game. 3) As the lads mentioned, France have some injuries to important players - Danty, Ntamack, etc. It will be a good competitive game though.

[@evanh8749]

I'm 100% in agreement. If not for the injuries I'd still back France, since it's at home. But all the Springboks would have done is hammered home to be disciplined, don't give away cheap penalties, hold possession and be physical at the breakdown. Think it's NZs game to lose now.

[@HamishBanish]

I agree. France to wave the white flag at NZ this weekend. Plus, Pepyr is the ref and he is ever ambitious, including for more matches in the knockout stages of this tournament. This is more likely for him if NZ win.

[@brianmsahin]

Though the AB's do rarely lose two games in a row, they lost 2 in a row against Ireland not long ago.....however, I think the AB's are going to win it. Just an unscientific hunch!

[@LeMerch]

Ireland beat NZ back to back in NZ😊

[@HerbalTee29]

@@LeMerchIreland and bokke fans need their attention ❤

[@Tom-cj1ip]

Damian Penaud will definitely be top try scorer. NZ will win World Cup

[@louis4945]

Very good content here! Let’s see on Friday 🇫🇷 🇫🇷 🇫🇷 !!!!!

[@conormadigan7829]

Mr. Goode have you been indulging in thought experiments where Ireland do not choke? It’s a rare perspective to take but once you do so it becomes quite compelling. Predictions are a mugs game and all but it seems weird that no one expects Ireland to perform. Picking Taghd Byrne was bold too and you might be right there. He won the NZ series for us in my eye. That is a really interesting call❤ They might be tempted to give it to Johnny sexton in his farewell match( if Ireland win).I’d say Ireland are about 3-1 to win it. Scotland may very well assist in the group, and who knows if they meet France in the quarters we may have an Irish Scottish final. Nice to hear you feel welcome in Dublin. It’s my first time (to my recollection) hearing you speak. Undecided humiliated and willing to change your mind. I’d say your well liked everywhere. I hope the RWC2023 hasn’t peaked in the speculation phase because if this World Cup gets better better when it actually starts it could be the RWC of the century. Enjoy everyone it’ll be over before we know.

[@booey28]

It’s ok, England will be in the quarters while Ireland will be sailing back home

[@conormadigan7829]

@@booey28. Ahh that’s adorable 🥰. Where are you from? Maybe there will be enough time on the boat for you to learn English. Boat to where? Anywhere with people over the age of 8.

[@RabbitholeIsrael]

I think SA would want to play france and ireland would want to play NZ. Make it happen

[@JaemanEdwards]

The Springboks will play France. And the All Blacks will play Scotland.

[@ziyahhavea355]

You both called it.

[@lexas1]

Dupont. 'He never says anything. He doesn't have to. You just know.' 😂

[@HilareBelloc]

If ireland goes deep i think Calen Doris will stand out.

[@notthisprickagain8499]

2011 POTT was Thierry Dusatoir!

[@awciproperty1936]

No way England tops that pool. Argentina will and poms come second.

[@Dedbeatz.]

As former Irish player Mike Ross said. Ireland will either go out at the quarter final stage or we'll win it. Nothing in-between. Great show lads.

[@HamishBanish]

Quarter-finals then.... the wheels on the Oirish bus are going to fall off when the spud hits the pan Only so many favours Rolland can deliver

[@Dedbeatz.]

@@HamishBanish You're talking a load of haggis lad. 😂😂 But I would love to see Ireland and Scotland to go through to the quarters.

[@SF-rw1oz]

​@@HamishBanishScotland were given enough favours in the 6N and still couldn't get it done against Ireland 😉

[@Dedbeatz.]

Good man Goodie. Ireland all the way. 👍

[@Chris_Rugby]

I think Ireland get to the final agains SA...but SA's squad depth...and they've never lost a World Cup final...I don't know.

[@LeMerch]

@@Chris_RugbyIreland have decent squad depth too, but also boks are into this power game that Ireland find hard to deal with.. think boks could have it altho im not writing off France like everyone seems to be, crazy

[@Chris_Rugby]

@@LeMerch I don't think its so much writing off France or New Zealand so much as considering injuries and performances and...well when you consider it that way- South Africa are the only country hoping for 3 injuries so they can bring in Pollard, Am and Lood De Jager lol. Ireland have had the best run in-between world cups though and certainly deserve the title of Champions. This thing of only being champion because you've managed to do it once in 4 years is a bit off the mark imo.

[@Vlerkies]

Its all about Pool B hey fella's. Love the patriotism and loyalty. Rest assured we down South are also wrestling with the same possible permutations. England have a dream draw and sad their build up to the tournament has been less than expected. World Rugby needs a competitive England team. I think the Argies are gonna be a handful, they have some big scalps of late. Looking forward to a great RWC 🏆🏉

[@01Binzer]

Jim, your thinking with your heart, but best of luck to you ☘️

[@derekwogan8666]

Love it Goodie , you will be welcome over for the pints with Blackcurrant if we win !!!

[@johnthomson7717]

Great show guys as always!!! Should Finn be Scotland's captain.... discuss!! 😀

[@rustyrench4278]

I think it should be Blair

[@malcolmkensett8784]

In listening to many commentaries on the pools and teams one thing becomes apparent to me. All the contending teams seem to be fairly dependent upon one or two key players and their form. The one team where this is not the case is South Africa . Some reference is made about Kolisi being an inspiring captain. Otherwise it's about the scrum and backline...SA is a united team with depth ....if this prevails they will win.

[@HerbalTee29]

Ok bokke I hope your heart doesn’t break

[@justinarmstrong193]

Depth in SA nad Ireland. Both have clearly worked hard to be covered in all facets. Then AB's. So I think those 3 are most secure with depth

[@joeboonmusic4004]

True except at 10. SA is the only team in the top 10 that doesn't have a solid goal-kicking 10.

[@paulhmull]

GO ON GOODEY

[@arundolan6584]

As an Irish fan, I would 100% prefer New Zealand to France. We only just edged France in Dublin, and they were much better than us the time before in Paris. NZ are a dangerous team, but the match up suits us much more.

[@JamesEoin1]

I understand the our history with the World Cup but what exactly does Ireland have to do or should have done differently over the past 12 months to be considered amongst the favourites for this WC? - Maintain world number 1 rank longer than any other Northern Hemisphere team - win a series in NZ - win a grand slam - beat every top tier nation - maintain an record breaking unbeaten streak for the nation - enter this World Cup with significant less injuries than our competitors I’m all for caution but ….

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

All true but our schedule is such that Tonga could soften us up for SA and the we could be seriously depleted facing a fresh Scotland. We are playing great but we have an issue with depth and we could be impacted by injuries. There is a lot of talk about our dependency on Sexton. Great as he is, we have had to play with him. I would be concerned if we lost Keenan, Ryan , VDF and Doris. That would be akin to losing Sexton, POC, POM v France in 2015 and Bowe early in the game v ARG.

[@JaemanEdwards]

Ireland should have had a better pre tournament build up.They haven't been in the trenches like the Southern Hemisphere teams or even Scotland and France. Rugby lightweights Italy, Samoa, and a demoralised England are a piss poor substitution. They don't have any idea where they currently stand against the big dogs. They're not battle hardened or battle tested like the others.

[@sambeckingsale2542]

Blackadder carving in NZ. Needs to be the AB openside. Barrett was done for not binding when running into a ruck. How many times does that happen a game ?

[@swavgav31]

France will bottle it. If Ireland don't lose any big players they could do it

[@TrezenEN]

I wouldn't expect old Jimbo to be anything other than "harsh to Wales" considering the fact that Scotland have only beaten Wales twice in 20 years.

[@TheShireshark]

Scotland have beaten Wales 3 times since 2017, so that's clearly a lie!

[@TrezenEN]

@@TheShireshark okay, okay :'D... 4 times in 20 years.

[@powerbite92]

Wales have Scotlands number, Jim cannot even construct English sentences properly, Saffa rugby players interviewed by him say he is hard to like in person, hes about as Scottish aa Sushi or Mumbai,, the worst player ever to play for Scotland or Saracens...

[@TheShireshark]

@@powerbite92 they certainly did this year didn't they and that number was 35 whilst Wales's number was 7.

[@garethrichmond4388]

@TheShireshark yep Wales supporter here Scotland thumped us 35-7 in the 6 nationns by a record margin of victory for Scotland over Wales well earned well get you next year though

[@AngryDaddoesDecath5260]

South Africa are looking tough to beat as long as they avoid injuries and cards. First game is a great game to kick off the tournie.

[@sols5304]

My opinion, Boks will go back to back 🇿🇦

[@HerbalTee29]

Bokke so confident , why???

[@JaemanEdwards]

The Springboks won't be able to tin ass their way to another Rugby World Cup this time.

[@sols5304]

​@@JaemanEdwards well as far as I know Boks were planning more for 2023 and just so happened to win 2019 so you are right they become champs while tin assing as you said 😅

[@JaemanEdwards]

@@sols5304 Of course I'm right. Two tin assed world cups by the Bokke. Everyone acknowledges this.

[@sols5304]

​@@JaemanEdwards well to say I agree with you is a stretch but we all are entitled to our opinions, all I know is that what ever you call it, they are still 3x world Champs🤷‍♂️

[@tyronedejager2202]

Guys SA are a bigger threat in this WC than the last . . .

[@niallsheehan474]

Good stuff

[@fenway7794]

Best podcast out there in any sport..pure class lads ...yeah andy ,we'll adopt you over here in ireland ,no bother

[@Chris78986]

Got it wrong about Wales at the start what a kick up the arse.

[@uSbusiso_]

I need my fellow south africans to calm down now

[@lindilemgqobele4337]

don't worry will shocked them again

[@johannblignaut1966]

As always a nice show.Spare a thought for the referees in the big games.Half the rugby world will love them and the other half hate them after those games.Wish them all well.

[@Crimsonfate]

I agree with Jim’s predictions

[@indricotherium4802]

Despite all the matches these days decided by the odd point of two, no mention here until the 27th minute of the importance of place kickers!! Get serious chaps! Whether your kicker is converting at 90% as opposed to 70% will be totally crucial. One word - Goode said it -Ramos.

[@myshepspud1]

Funny.. France lost by 1 point with a charged down Ramos kick. ;)

[@paultemple723]

“England were broken players under Eddie Jones”… yeah they also made the WC final? That’s the sacrifice I’m sure any player would make to get to that point in a WC

[@mariusmarais9750]

Jim - Scotland can do a trick on us and the Irish, ONE CARD for either the boks or the Irish and its happydays for Scotland.

[@djbillybopdjbillybop2817]

it is also the other way around Scotland gets a few Reds.

[@patriced8643]

after 2 weeks into the tournament. what do you guys think now?

[@ThomasHallidayPalaeo]

Alright Jim Hamilton - if Australia and Georgia qualify, do Wales come fourth and have to go through qualification for the next World Cup? The fact that I can plausibly see Wales both in the semifinals and failing to automatically qualify for 2027 is spectacular...

[@geoffnelson6756]

As an Ireland fan I have been feeling frustrated that its a possibility they don't get out of the group or will be depleted If they get to the quarters. But now recognising the unfairness to Scotland who would likely get to the quarters from the other side of the draw, the worst fixture of the WC is Ireland v Scotland 7 days before the quarters, likely a must win game for both and a short turnaround to Fra or NZ

[@jaconel1673]

If Retallick is fit, who would NZ pick as their lock pairing? Would Barrett move to flanker? Or would they pair Retallick and Barrett?

[@christophernormann2009]

This will mark the year as a first ever back to back WC victory …

[@MikeSmuts]

I'm afraid the AB's have already achieved that... 2011 & 2015. But I'd love for us to repeat that and end up in four tournament wins. For rugby's sake someone other than RSA or NZ would be good though

[@oldboyamv2834]

Uhmmmm.....that's been done already. But I like the way you think. 😁

[@christophernormann2009]

Oh dayum I got schooled big time 😅… excuse me while I help myself to a slice of humble pie 😂😂😂…. This year marks the first back to back South Africa victory then 😉

[@joeboonmusic4004]

@@christophernormann2009 I can certainly see it happening... You folks have a terrifying team right now, even more so potentially than in 2019...

[@Grumbo91]

The hype from goodie is gonna make our inevitable QF exit all the more painful

[@pixelpotato4874]

"He's just a Horny Teenager, Eddie"😂😂😂 Goode One

[@daniellawlor1874]

Lads .on any given day ,anyone can beat anyone. So dont think to hard .just enjoy

[@patrickbrennan911]

Once world rugby saw how uneven the groups were, why didn’t they switch the QFs? So group A & B play against groups C & D in the QFs?

[@conormadigan7829]

Do you think the Scotish coaching team have been prioritizing the SA game over the Irish game over the last 12 months? It’s their first test so the team will be in good shape. It will be physical but so are France and Scotland of late have kept the scoreboard tight with France. They will probably also be considering the attrition out of that game and the fact that their bench is not as deep as they would like. So the team vs Ireland could be sun optimal. SA won’t know the result of the Irish Scottish game until the last weekend of the groups so cannot afford to take a risk on the Scottish game. They have to go all in on the opening match. Scotland know this so can expect a very physical match with a high chance of missing key players for the Irish game. All this is just to say why I think Scotland are going to be all over the opening match. Do I think it’s possible for Scotland to beat SA. Yes and I hope so. They have performed really well against a physical French team and I suspect SA are underestimating them a little. I can see a scenario where SA sub in some 2nd choice players (if they have any 🙃) coz the score is comfortable at 50mins and Scotland come back with 3 try’s (again) The fixtures are scheduled best for Ireland with regard to the group (not the 1/4s)right? Knowing the Scotland SA result up front has to be helpful to Ireland. I love Scotland but I think their best bet is Scotland and Ireland beating SA. What an ask but what a group and what an exciting group. Enjoy everyone.

[@neilbe7118]

Fiji are so underrated atm they are by far the best pacific island team and the other two are strong too

[@neilbe7118]

Also Argentina will hammer england

[@bobb6342]

As a Scotsman here is my thoughts on pool b. Scotland beat SA, SA beat Ireland, Ireland beat Scotland and Scotland go out on point difference after not scoring enough tries against Romania

[@diyema3434]

I mean... we knocked you down....

[@ElijahMan2633]

AB & France to qualify in that order. SA & Ireland to qualify in that order. Australia & Fiji to qualify in that order. Argentina & Samoa to qualify in that order.

[@paddyt4043]

You think the all blacks will do the job next week?

[@joeboonmusic4004]

Samoa? Lol.

[@sambeckingsale2542]

When I ask my Irish mates about the wc all they will say to me is " Scotland is waiting in the grass ". Great imagery

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

Ever since we failed to cap Ben Healy and let him go to Scotland, I can imagine Healy kicking a last minute long distance goal to turn a game.

[@GQ-df2li]

Good for you Goodie.

[@kennethgolding6585]

I’ll buy you all the pints you can drink in Dublin if Ireland win it Goodie

[@truthandjustice6838]

Ireland Vs Springboks is going to be like a final. They might meet twice in the tourney.

[@kalifatokata]

Winner SA, Ireland 2nd place, NZ third.

[@fijianz1]

I think Australia and Fiji are through to quarters 🎉

[@SpikeyKactus]

I feel like it's going to be a SA-France final, with SA for the win. And I say that as a proud frenchman.

[@elizehauptfleisch8233]

I think the players are going to be nervous for the first game. The 2nd half is going to be better game than the first half.

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

I've been routing Ireland to lift the cup for quite a while now.

[@redhowell7856]

Georgia is gonna beat Australia this weekend. First upset of 2023.

[@kiralague8932]

if SA and Scotland make it through I will cry with joy. My gran is Scottish and moved to South Africa. I pray the Scots beat the Irish!

[@Swiftybru]

I’m with Jim on the winner although I’d love Goodie’s prediction to come true

[@matthewlio6995]

Samoa to be the dark horse this world cup 2023,I think Samoa will come through in their pool,

[@garethrichmond4388]

Ignore the Scotland hype train If they in the other pool I'd say there was a good possibility because the style of Rugby France and to a lesser extent the ABs play is really conducive to the style of Rugby Scotland plays. Scotland has a pretty good recent record against France and the loses are usually really close. Whereas the kind of Rugby both SA and Ireland play is basically kryptonite to the way Scotland play. The play smother ball control the game tightly and not give Scott the room to do the magic that Scotland does so well. That's why Scotland haven't beaten Ireland in 7 games or SA in 8. I don't think even Finn is magical enough to do it.

[@robertstrachan3482]

France to win this weekend, SA to win the final

[@ralsalsic7]

I would not put money on any of these games. Too close to call. It's going to be a banger.... GO BOKKE